RHODRI MORGAN has outlined his four priorities to continue Wales's economic growth and social advancement.

Delivering the annual HSBC lecture at the University of Wales College Newport this week, his four aims are - reducing economic inactivity, preventing crime, creating a healthy future, and rebuilding communities.

Recognising the legacy of the decline of heavy industry in the 1980s continues to affect South Wales, he said the Assembly must continue to lead.

"Even though unemployment is low, there is still a big mess that has to be cleared up from past high unemployment and past loss of a sense of options and careers, and the ability to be the breadwinner," he said.

"There will need to be measures to provide extra help to revive the old skills, develop new confidence and find the right combination of childcare and whatever other assistance is needed. The Wales that we want to create is one where the conditions and institutions combine the best of the traditions handed down to us, along with taking responsibility for ourselves.

"This means political institutions like the Assembly taking responsibility and not blaming others for what's being done."